ATLANTA: November 07, 2016. UPS is to acquire Marken, a global provider of supply chain solutions to the life sciences industry. Terms of the acquisition, which is expected to complete by December 2016, were not disclosed.

Marken operates a 'Direct to Patient' supply chain via a network of 44 logistic hubs worldwide, including 10 depots that are compliant with Good Manufacturing Practices.

Pharmaceutical companies, clinical research organizations and contract manufacturers use Marken for collection and transportation to 49,000 clinical trial sites, as well as the shipment of biological samples from these sites to central laboratories.

The company said it manages 50,000 drug and biological shipments every month in more than 150 countries.

"Healthcare logistics is a strategic market for UPS," said Teresa Finley, UPS head of Marketing and Business Services. "UPS is focused on the logistics complexity of clinical trials, and the acquisition fits well into our long-term growth plans in the biopharma segment."

UPS now has more than 100 healthcare-dedicated facilities with 60 GMP-compliant locations covering temperature-sensitive storage and transportation from ambient and controlled-room temperature, to frozen and cryogenics.

Based in Durham, North Carolina, last month Marken opened its 44th facility in Brisbane, Australia.